Thursday, September 30, 2010

Dried Up Mushroom Heart


I was walking on the Metro property ... across the field where the woods once stood ... (back before the so-called green space "preservation" group shredded everything in its path to make room for them to plant 'native plants') ... but I digress!

Across the mounds of shredded trees and shrubs, are growing strange and unusual mushrooms such as I have never seen around here before ... maybe I just didn't notice them before?

Anyway ... one of the unusual fungi had forged through the chipped plants during the last rainstorm, then dried away again after the rains stopped.

When it dried, it turned into this interesting heart!

To see hearts from around the world, visit Random Hearts, and join us for Guest Heart Thursday!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

What a Hoot!


I was wandering around in the abandoned mega-church, when I heard a noise high above me in the ruined ceiling rafters ...


Something was flying around in the space between the ceilings.


Finally he stopped. And looked at me.
A beautiful juvenile barn owl.
One of two in the nest in the ceiling ...

Last year the owls chose a vent to raise their young, with disastrous results. They lost their entire brood.

I was so glad to see these cuties alive and well ... and thriving!

I've just discovered Gemma over at Greyscale Territories has a meme called "Weekend Nature". This will be my first submission to this theme!


Thursday, September 23, 2010

Bird Flying With Berry - Guest Heart Thursday


I was trying to get a picture of the birds (I think they were robins) snatching berries from a tree across the street.

As I took a shot, the bird I was trying to capture flew away. I thought I missed.
I was shocked to see the amazing picture of this beautiful bird in flight, carrying dinner off into the woods to eat at leisure.


And it wasn't until after I looked at the picture closer that I noticed the hearts in the tail of this beautiful bird.

To see hearts from around the world, visit Random Hearts - and join us for Guest Heart Thursday.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Autumn's Delicate Shadows - Shadow Shot Sunday


Autumn is sneaking up on me.
I looked up yesterday and the trees were different ...
A few yellow leaves now peaking through the green,
Slowly falling to the ground.
Catching the delicate shadows of the tiny dried grasses ...
Pretty soon Autumn will be here full blown ...
For now, I will have to look for the signs.

And enjoy the last bit of summer.

To see amazing shadows from around the world, visit Hey Harriet - and join us for Shadow Shot Sunday!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Rain on Cottonwood - Weekend Reflections


It has been raining here for several days.
I'm not complaining, mind you - it's been a long dry summer and we needed the rain.

Besides ... when the sun comes out after the showers ...
That's when I find Nature's Jewels are at their best!

To see reflections from around the world, visit James at Newtown Area Photo - and join us for Weekend Reflections.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Knothole Heart on White Oak Tree


I was waiting for my mom to get out of the doctor's office. I decided to spend the time walking a bit - instead of just sitting in my car.

The white oak trees that surround the building were fascinating - so different from the black oaks that I am used to.

That's when I noticed, about halfway up one of the trees, this knothole. Shaped like a heart!

To see amazing and fascinating hearts from around the world, visit Random Hearts - and join us for Guest Heart Thursday!

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Awe, Baby Birds!


I was walking this morning when a tiny movement caught my eye.


Up in the pine tree ... the one covered with blackberry vines.


There were probably 10 tiny birds - most likely chickadees ...
They were eating the ripe berries and flitting all about.


These two babies stopped for a moment to chat.
Just long enough to snap a few photos.
Then they flew on to join the others in the feast.

While I feasted on the beauty in front of me!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Bees Everywhere!


Yesterday was another 'bee' kind of day.
This time they weren't sleeping - they were busy!
Gathering pollen from the flowering thistles ...


There must be more than enough pollen to go around!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Another Sleeping Bumblebee


I walked through the overgrown parking lot.
The once-gravel expanse has come to life - tall grasses and tiny flowers.

I noticed that nearly every patch of tall grass harbored a bumblebee.
Still sleeping in the newness of the morning.
I marveled at the way this one was tucked up into the grass, holding on tight.

I did my best not to wake up this beautiful guy,
And he was still sleeping after I took his portrait and left.